KGALAGADI TRANSFRONTIER PARK:
Where the red dunes and scrub fade into infinity and herds of gemsbok, springbok, eland and blue wildebeest follow the seasons, where imposing camel thorn trees provide shade for huge black-mane lions and vantage points for leopard and many raptors…this is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park.
The Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa was proclaimed in 1931 mainly to protect the migrating game, especially the gemsbok. Together with the adjacent Gemsbok National Park in Botswana, this park comprises an area of over 3,6 million hectares – one of very few conservation areas of this magnitude left in the world.
Red sand dunes, sparse vegetation and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob show antelope and predator species off to spectacualr advantage and provide excellent photographic opportunities. Kgalagadi is also a haven for birders, especially those interested in birds of prey.
Kgalagadi (SA) has six different camps of varying size, facilities and cost. Three traditional camps that have a basic shopping facility and fuel are situated on the South African side of the Park. Kgalagadi is the first Park to provide accommodation in three wilderness camps that, with no fences, invite the Kalahari and the tranquillity of Africa right into your room.
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The camps are Traditional Rest Camps:
- Twee Rivieren
- Mata Mata
- Nossob
- Wilderness Camps
- Bitterpan
- Grootkolk
- Kalahari Tented Camp
Due to the high demand for accommodation in Wilderness Camps, three additional camps, with four fully equipped units each, were developed.
Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp - Sunk into a dune, with endless views of the red Kalahari sands. Located in the Twee Rivieren region, this unique self-catering wilderness camp will be accessible by passenger vehicles.
Urikaruus Wilderness Camp - Located in the Mata-Mata region of the park, between the veil of old camelthorn trees, overlooks the Auob River. Urikaruus is accessible by passenger vehicles.
Gharagab Wilderness Camp - Located in the far northern region of the park, will provide guests with elevated views of Kalahari dunes and the thornveld savannah. Gharagab will only be accessible by 2x4 or 4x4, not an ordinary sedan. To be certain, contact the park before hand to acertain the prevailing conditions.
Bitterpan Wilderness Camp - This camp is only accessible by 4x4
Areas of special interest
The usually dry riverbeds of the Auob and the Nossob Rivers provide the best game viewing. The roads between the camps follow these riverbeds.
The dune roads from Kij Kij to Auchterlonie and Dikbaardskolk to Kamqua link the two riverbeds.
Union’s End – at the northern most part of the South African side of the park.
Highlights:
Gemsbok – these large striking desert antelope are the emblem of the park.
Suricate (Meerkat) – these hyperactive little omnivores have a wonderfully intricate family structure.
Black-maned Kalahari Lions – Physically impressive, they are the kings of the Kalahari Desert. Article: Lions of the Kgalagadi by Lara Raubenheimer
Sociable weavers – the busy little birds construct huge communal nests.
Pygmy falcons – the park is famous for its birds of prey. This is the smallest falcon in Africa and is often seen around Sociable Weaver colonies preying on the birds.
Botswana
NB: All routes within Botswana are to be travelled by no less than two vehicles 4x4 Routes
Prior bookings are essential for these routes and can only be contemplated in a single direction as a whole.
Mabuasehube Wilderness Trail - (starting at Mabuasehube) – 155 km
Wilderness Trail - (starting at Polentswa) – 257 km
Direct Routes
These routes allows access to within Botswana but can only be driven with a 4x4
Direct Route – Nossob Riverbed to Mabuasehube – 170 km
Direct Route – Kannaguass to Kaa – 85 km
Camping:
Camping is available at the following places:
Two Rivers:
Rooiputs (unfenced)
Polentswa (unfenced)
Kaa (unfenced)
Mabuasehube section with unfenced camping sites at:
- Mabuasehube
- Khiding
- Entrance Gate
- Mpaathutlwa
- Bosobogolo
- Monamodi
Interesting Facts:
· Kgalagadi is the first Transfrontier Park to be established in Africa?
· It is also known as the 'Peace Park'?
· At 3.8 million hectares, it is nearly twice the size of Kruger National Park?
· It is the most North Westerly National Park in South Africa?
· The name, 'Kgalagadi' is derived from the SAN language and means "Place of thirst?"
All bookings for the Botswana side still has to be done through their office at:
Dept. of Wildlife and National Parks – Botswana
P O Box 131
Gabarone
Botswana
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